How many times have you heard those words? Most of us aren’t lacking when it comes to friends or family members who are willing to give us an opinion (solicited or otherwise) about some aspect of our lives. Unfortunately, those “words of wisdom” are frequently more destructive than whatever situation or crisis we are facing.

The Bible tells us: “The thoughts of the righteous are right; but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.” (Proverbs 12:5, KJV)

My point? Be picky…spiritually discerning…when seeking advice. While friends, family, or even self-help guides may proclaim to “know best” for you, their solutions may only be worldly solutions…quick fixes. Don’t let yourself be influenced by advice that may not be grounded in scripture. Seek God’s Word for advice…it will never let you down. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide!

And how do you deal with the rest? While an assertive ”Talk to the hand!” might be your first response, an acquiescent “Thank you for caring, but I’m working things out with God” will probably be received with more enthusiasm. And if that doesn’t work? Well, I’ve always found the hands-over-the-ears, “La-La-La” thing to do the trick! Very mature, right?

Needs will always abound. God assures us of this in His Word. How wonderful it is, then, to have the knowledge that we have a heavenly Father who watches over us…who keeps us in His care! Isn’t it our duty as children of the Almighty to share in the service of others? Take a look around! People are hurting. Many have needs that seem insurmountable. What can you do to lighten the load? Most importantly, how can you show them a servant’s heart…a heart like that of our wonderful Lord and Savior?

Stepping out in faith is difficult. Many times, the fear of the unknown prevents us from tackling the things that God means for us…with His divine guidance…to conquer. Here’s the catch, though. If we never take our Heavenly Father for His promises, we will never reap the benefits of being a child of the King of Kings.

Express your faith! Live a life that is pleasing to God…the life that He intends for you…and in doing so, you will see that with a little faith, your fears just might fade to the point of disappearing!